Miss A Columnist

Andrea Rodgers is the Founder of Miss A (AskMissA.com), which covers the intersection of charity and lifestyle for 1.5 million unique readers annually. Based in Washington, DC, Miss A has a presence in 21 U.S. cities with 30 editors and hundreds of writer. Andrea was inspired after 9/11, and became heavily involved in Washington’s charity circuit in an effort to give back to the community. At the core of the Miss A brand is Andrea’s personal belief in the positive power of volunteering and charity — not only to benefit those less fortunate, but to improve the individual, business or brand that gives their time, money and energy to a cause. AskMissA.com serves as a technological platform which connects editors, writers and readers around this core belief and shines a spotlight on the best nonprofits, charity events, cause marketing campaigns and philanthropic & stylish people, businesses and brands to inspire others to get involved.

Andrea Rodgers is a member of the Vogue 100, a hand-selected group by Vogue magazine of 100 influential decision makers and opinion leaders across the country known for their distinctive taste in fashion & culture. She has been featured in Vogue, W and Allure, CNN, Fox News, NOS Dutch Public Broadcasting, TV Tokyo, France 24, Alhurra, USA Today, Washington Post & Politico.

Marrying a Doctor

I’ve been with Patrick for four years. He was my first love and meant everything to me. We had a great relationship. We met in college and he moved to my hometown afterwards for Medical School. I wanted us to move-in together but, he didn’t. His first year of med school, he was extremely busy and our relationship hit some rough tides. I started to feel that he couldn’t and didn’t want try anymore. I even supported him financially and if I wanted to go out, I paid for everything. He had a horrible temper and was very immature and defensive when we fought. He punched a few holes in the wall and physically grabbed me twice. Whenever I cried, he would yell at me to stop crying. How did our great relationship turned so sour?

I prayed and asked God to show me if there is someone better out there. God did. I soon met this wonderful man named Ryan. He completely swept me off my feet and we have practically everything in common. I then ended things with Patrick. My parents were furious with me when I ended the relationship. They grew close to him and I will be financially stable for the rest of my life for marrying a doctor. However, with Ryan, I feel adored and loved. I never had someone respect and care for my feelings the way Ryan does. He is so great and loving and very mature. Ryan and I have been together for the past year. He says that I’m “the one” and he’s going to protect, love, and provide me. I can truly see myself marrying this man! However, money might be an issue.

However, Patrick has been calling me and said he’s a changed man and he still loves me and believes that we are meant for eachother. Once in a while Patrick and I go out for lunch just to talk as friends. I do really miss him. But, I don’t know if the love is still there with Patrick?

What do I do? Do I end things with Ryan to go back to a possible disaster relationship again with Patrick? However, with Patrick, I will have financial security. To this day, my parents are still upset with me for ending things with him. But, I might not have true happiness if I go back. It’s so hard to say goodbye. Do I have to? I still cry at night wondering how things went wrong with Patrick. I still really miss what we had back in college. But, I know that college relationship is gone. Now, it’s an adult relationship…can Patrick ever handle an adult relationship with me? But, why should I end a great relationship with Ryan? Who do I choose? Who should I end up with?

Miss A, please help,

Little Lady S

Ages: Me: 24 , Patrick: 24 , Ryan: 26

Dear Little Lady S,

First of all, with President Obama’s dreams for our healthcare system, I’m not too sure you’d be financially set for life by being married to a doctor. In many instances, doctors have to charge less per hour than your local plumber. And I don’t see your parents urge you to marry a plumber.

Additionally, just because a man earns a great deal of money, doesn’t mean he’ll be wise in spending or investing it. I can’t tell you how many men I’ve worked for, worked with,dated, or have friends who dated who seem like they have a lot of money, but are nothing but one big bubble of credit. They are constantly stressed about money, but have the Gucci loafers, custom suits, flashy pocket squares, Italian leather furniture, fancy car, and bachelor pad around to make everyone think otherwise. They may draw a big paycheck, but they have bigger bills, too. It’s sad, and I always feel sorry for the new young girls in town blinded by the “fool’s gold”. These are the men looking to marry a woman who comes from money. They will make you think they have money so that they can take yours to pay the bills. It’s sad. Nothing is certain in life except death and taxes, Honey, so don’t marry someone just because you think you’ll be taken care of forever.

Second, it’s awful that your parents are putting so much financial pressure on you. That’s part of what was wrong with society in the past, parents setting expectations as to the race, religion, gender, and whatnot of their child’s future spouse. You love who you love. Generations before us fought hard to be able to marry who they love rather than to have it all arranged and negotiated by their family. Since you said that you supported Patrick financially, it sounds as if you are able to support yourself, so be happy that you live in today’s world, and tell your parents that they should spend more time worrying about their own financial situation, and focus less on yours. Although, if your parents supported you AND Patrick, then that would account for their meddling and disappointment at losing their investment. I’m not sure which is the case here.

It is my experience that once a relationship sours, it is next to impossible to turn it around. Couples with children together, or a financial burden that binds them to each other will stick it out despite the lack of love, but you are young and have no reason to do that. Additionally, you have found Ryan who seems to adore you. You are only 24 years old, so you still have at least another decade before your clock starts ticking and you start feeling your own pressure to get married and start a family. Please don’t feel as if your entire life hinges on these two guys, and choosing one of them. You don’t have to marry either one of them.

Bottomline is that you need to spend time building a career of your own, so that you won’t be dependent on any man, or your parents’ approval for money! That is true freedom and true happiness! Once you have that, you will be free to be with any man you like, regardless of whether he’s a doctor or a plumber or a stay-at-home dad.